H.E Y. K MUSEVENI COMMISIONS THE 400kV KARUMA INTERCONNECTION PROJECT 26TH SEPTEMBER 2024.
The President of the Republic of Uganda H.E Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned the 400kV Karuma Interconnection Project (KIP) which will evacuate the 600 MW of energy produced by the Karuma Hydropower Plant in Northern Uganda to load centres including Lira and Olwiyo in Northern Uganda and Kawanda (Kampala) in Central Uganda.
The KIP is expected to improve on accessibility and stability of power supply to Northern Uganda by benefiting current and future electricity consumers in Central, Northern and West Nile regions including residential, commercial and industrial consumers.
” The commissioning of the Karuma Interconnection Project is an achievement and milestone that will significantly boost Uganda’s electricity supply, support industrial growth, improve livelihoods, and drive the Nation’s Economic Development” Said Hon Canon Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, the Minister of Energy and Mineral development.
The 1.7-billion-dollar project was financed by the Government of Uganda and the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of China. This Transmission line infrastructure and associated Sub stations comprises of the following installations:
- 248km Karuma-Kawanda 400kV transmission line and associated substations
- 76km Karuma-Lira 132kV transmission line and associated substations.
- 55km Karuma-Olwiyo 400kV transmission line and associated substations.
- Extension of the 132kV busbar at the Lira 132/33kV substation.
“This project symbolizes enhanced collaboration, innovation, and ‘s UETCLs commitment to meeting Uganda’s energy needs and growing demand” according to Joshua Karamagi; CFA, the UETCL`s Chief Executive Officer. UETCL has continued to implement strategic projects and expand the transmission grid network in line with the Government of Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Energy Policy 2023.
as of September 2024, UETCL’s total grid length stands at 4,962.4 km with a total of 42 substations across the country and a transformation capacity of 6,945.5 MVA.
UETCL is a public Limited Company, fully owned by the Government of the Republic of Uganda, and holds the following operational licences. System Operator, Operation of the High Voltage Transmission Grid, Bulk Power Supply, Import and Export of Power and; Public Infrastructure Provider (for ownership and operation of the Optic Fibre).